The route to single magnetic particle detection: a carbon nanotube decorated with a finite number of nanocubes

摘要

We propose an experimental technique that allows us a straightforward and reliable fabrication of magnetic and electromechanical nanodevices for single particle detection and characterization. We demonstrate three different experimental methods for fabrication of nanoscale devices consisting of either single or multiwall carbon nanotubes bridging metallic electrodes and decorated with magnetic iron/iron oxide nanocubes with a size of 18 nm. Electrical characterization of the devices as well as structural and magnetic investigations of nanoparticles are reported. In particular, the proposed method based on measurements of the magnetic resonance in a single nanoparticle will enable dynamic magnetic resonance measurements on a single magnetic nanoparticle with a moment of __10~5 __B that are not feasible using conventional experimental techniques.